Why Ian Somerhalder Is the Best Ever -

Posted December 16, 2013 by Megan Rondeau

“Our youth are the most undervalued and underutilized resource that we can possibly imagine.”

Photo by: KGC-11/starmaxinc.com ©2013

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder—also known as Boone to all the Lost fans out there!—is making a run at being crowned peta2′s favorite person, like, ever. Through his commitment to the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, he works to raise awareness of issues threatening animals and the environment.

In a recent question-and-answer session originally posted on Quora, Ian spoke passionately about ways to fight cruelty to animals and why the world’s youth is primed and ready to take on the challenge!

Animal cruelty is one of the most unfortunate and barbaric demonstrations of human beings manipulating ill conceived notions of ‘power’ over other species. There is a lot we can do to fight this.

We need to support companies that we know do NOT test on animals, work with local shelters and rescues who aid many of our abused, neglected and abandoned creatures, refuse to support factory farms, fight for anti-cruelty laws on all levels of government, and even keep a watchful eye on our neighborhoods looking for reportable signs of animal cruelty.

When asked about how to motivate young people to take action, Ian answered with something that peta2 has known for years:

Our youth are the most undervalued and underutilized resource that we can possibly imagine. They are fully stocked with passion far beyond what we tend to recognize.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/ian-somerhalder/#ixzz3gaGylN14

5 Funny Things We Have Said To Our Dogs -

As you dog lovers out there already know, dogs are pretty much a bunch of furry little geniuses. Did you know that dogs can often pick up more than 200 spoken words all on their own, without being taught? It’s true! But every now and then, there are moments when we all wish doggies spoke our language, for realz. Here are 5 things we keep trying to tell our dogs:

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/things-dogs-think-facts/#ixzz3g1g5D2fw

1. Crazy—I was just thinking about how these shoes would look better chewed!

2. I know you think that every time I close the door to the bathroom, a portal to another dimension opens up and I am at risk of disappearing forever. That’d be cool, but I promise it’s not gonna happen.

3. I love you, but you are NOT gettin’ any chocolate! (If it weren’t a risk to your health, I’d have caved by now, OK?!)

4. That’s just the mail carrier. He’s not going to hurt you. Remember him from yesterday and the day before and the hundreds of days before that? Same ol’ dude, different day.

5. This bath is full of soapy water—NOT flesh-dissolving acid, k? CHILL PILL.

Read more here!!: http://www.peta2.com/blog/things-dogs-think-facts/#ixzz3g1fuYq2i 

Sadly, not all dogs are lucky enough to have an awesome human companion who will always try to listen to what they have to say. Every day, dogs are abused, neglected, left trapped in hot cars, and chained up and forgotten outside 24/7 without adequate shelter. You can be a hero for these dogs by pledging to be a dog defender and by clicking the button below:

How To Tell Another Human Their Dog May Be Dangerously Obese

Claire Beaudreault

11 hours ago

It’s totally pawssible to be a healthy and happy fat human. I try to practice body positivity, with regard to myself and others. There are different reasons for humans to be overweight, and it’s important to accept and love your body at any size. If you want to change it, I support that, too. You do you!

But then you see an overweight or obese dog…

While fat may sometimes be a choice for a human, it’s not one for a dog. Wild dogs are lean survival machines, and Nature didn’t intend for our dogs to be fat. (Or too skinny, for that matter.) Although a roly-poly pup might seem adorable, the reality is much more dangerous.

There are several reasons for a dog’s obesity: eating people food, too many carbohydrates, insufficient exercise, to name a few. Some humans use food as a reward or to show affection for their pets. Allowing a dog to become obese might be considered animal abuse. It could also result from a lack of information, education, or access to healthy dog food.

RELATED

85-Lb. Beagle ‘Kale Chips’ Wants To Get Healthy With You In 2015

Like humans, dogs may have medical conditions that make them overweight. If you suspect this is the case, please see a vet for more information. Obesity may shorten lifespan, damage the organs, and affect bones and joints.

So, how do you tell a friend, family member, or stranger that their dog’s health may be in danger? Is it even our place to do so? Maybe it’s not appropriate to say these things to a stranger, or acquaintance. If you decide to go ahead, it helps if you start these “I” statements with “I love your dog.” Never accuse anyone of bad pawrenting! They might not know that what they are doing isn’t best for their pup. Here are a few approaches, ranging from direct to silly to roundabout to anonymous…

1. Be direct but kind.

“I’m not a vet but it looks like your dog might be overweight. Have you considered having him checked out?” (Unless you ARE a vet, in which case say whatever your professional opinion dictates.)

Source: Critical Care DVM

2. Take a subtle approach.

Offer to walk their dog, or accompany them on a dog walk.

Source: DOGSARETHECOOLEST

3. Try humor.

(While lifting or petting the pup) “Little hefty there, what does the vet say?” or, “Your dog reminds me of someone famous…Oh I know, Jabba the Hut!”

Source: The Meta Picture

4. Anonymously…

…mail them printouts of articles about pet obesity and its risks. Or success stories!

Source: The Concourse

5. Pawsonal anecdote.

“My dog was overweight, and the vet said she was facing a lot of health risks.”

Source: Biggest Loser Doxie Edition

6. Talk about food!

“What do you feed him?”

Source: Barks and Blooms

7. All love.

“I love your dog, and it’s obvious that you love her too. I’m sure you want to keep her healthy and happy for as long as possible. I’m concerned that she might be at risk for health issues due to her size….”

Source: Daily Express

Know that your friend might be offended by your insinuation that they’re doing pup parenting wrong. Gauge each situation and consider your relationship with the person. It might be difficult, but it will be more difficult for your friend to potentially lose their dog as a result of weight-related health problems.

Source: Gudog

The Thing About Service Dogs -

This is Hailey Ashmore and her service dog, Flynn.

Hailey Ashmore / Instagram

Hailey has had Flynn since he was an itty-bitty puppy.

Needless to say, it was love at first sight.

Hailey Ashmore / Instagram

Hailey also struggles with several conditions. “I have epilepsy, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, reactive hypoglycemia, severe allergies, gastroparesis, asthma, and more,” Hailey told Fetching Apparel.

Flynn isn't just a friend — he is Hailey's service dog. Flynn can sense when Hailey is going to have a seizure before it happens. This gives Hailey time to respond, get help, and find a safe place.

One day, Hailey was visiting her dad at work. When she arrived with Flynn, a staff member could not resist how adorable he is. They began to pet him, ignoring the giant "STOP" sign he wears. "I immediately told him to stop [petting Flyyn],” Hailey told the Dodo.

"The only time somebody should ever approach Flynn and I is if I am unconscious and/or having a seizure. Besides that, nobody should try to pet or get near him. I wish people could understand that's what the giant stop sign patch means. If somebody distracts him I can get seriously hurt. If you see a service dog in public please educate your children, your friends, your family, anybody else that they are doing a really important job. Thank you."

While Flynn was distracted from the petting, Hailey had a seizure. “I am used to him giving me 10 minute warnings, so when he alerted that’s what I thought I had,” explained Hailey. “Out of nowhere I remember the world going black. I woke up with Flynn on top of my legs and my father cradling my head. On the whole left side of my face there was a terrible sting that made me tear up.” 

"My service dog is my lifeline. I don't say that to be cute. He helps keep me alive just like life support. If he gets distracted this happens. If he gets distracted I can die. Do not pet service dogs. Do not call to service dogs. Do not taunt service dogs. Do not talk to service dogs. Do not do anything to service dogs. Thank you," she wrote on Instagram.

Many of us are so eager to connect with animals, we often forget that they are protecting their human. Let's learn something from another's mistake and be more mindful of other people's animals!

Hailey Ashmore / Instagram

10 Surprising Facts About Animal Shelters -

Everyone is a sucker for an adorable puppy-face or playful kitten, but adopting animals from shelters not only scores you a new BFF but also has tons of other cool perks, too!

Read on for the ridiculously cute truth about animal shelters.

1. Twenty-five percent of dogs in animal shelters are purebreds!

If you have your heart set on a certain breed, chances are that you can find that breed at your local animal shelter!

2. You can adopt more than dogs and cats!

Many animal shelters have rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, and guinea pigs—and some even have turtles, chickens, and reptiles—all waiting for their forever home. 

3. They’re on the cutting edge!

Labradoodles and cockapoos are sooo 2011. Looking for the coolest combos out there? Your local animal shelter is flooded with loads of adorable mixed-breed dogs and cats who are hoping for the chance to be your BFF. Mutts rule!

4. You can save $$—and your shoes!

Puppies and kittens are adorbs, but they’re a LOT of work–not to mention expensive. We love shopping but if you want to save your shoes (and your homework and your little bro’s toys) from becoming chew toys and your dad’s favorite armchair from becoming a scratching post, opt for an equally cute and lovable adult dog or cat who’s outgrown that awkward stage.

5. Someone else has done all the work!

Many dogs and cats in animal shelters are turned in by guardians who simply can’t take care of them anymore, so it’s easy to find plenty of sweet animals who are already house-trained and friendly and who may even know a few tricks!

6. Helping animals in shelters = FREE HUGS!

© iStock.com/Dreamframer

Got the love but not the time to play with cats all day? Just volunteer or foster! Not only will you be able to meet loads of adorable animals, you’ll also play a role in finding them forever homes. The time you spend socializing them will help make them more adoptable, and you will get lots of love in the process. WIN-WIN!

7. Animals from shelters won’t break your ♥!

All animals in shelters get a full vet check so you’ll know exactly what’s up with your new furry friend. No heartbreaking hidden diseases, such as parvovirus, which often affects animals from puppy mills.

8. Animal shelters help more than you think!

It’s common practice for animal shelters to spay or neuter animals as part of the adoption process. So you’re not just saving one animal—you’re saving the hundreds of animals one unfixed cat or dog can produce in his or her lifetime.

9. Animal shelters provide a built-in support network!

Workers and volunteers at animal shelters know the animals well, and they’ll help you find your perfect match. They know each animal’s history, what games are his or her fave to play, and what cuddles he or she likes best. Some animal shelters even offer classes to get to know your new furry friend!

10. Animals from shelters have bigger ♥s!

Ever had a crummy day until a friend did something nice for you? Think about how grateful you were to have that person in your life. Now imagine that you’ve spent your whole life in crummy situations, like some of the animals in shelters have. YOU can be that ray of sunshine by giving an animal in a shelter a loving home. He or she will pay you back in love tenfold!

In short, animal shelters RULE! When it comes to adding animals to your life, the message is clear: Adopt, don’t buy!

SHARE THIS WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS
AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/animal-shelter-facts/#ixzz3fgx0CMep

Harry Styles has a message for Seaworld -

Here are four reasons why you should listen to Harry and stay away from SeaWorld:

1. Dolphins in the wild swim vast distances every day with their extended families, playing and exploring new territory together. However, at SeaWorld they’re confined to cramped, barren concrete tanks. This is especially traumatic for them because they’re highly social animals who communicate through vocalizations and navigate by echolocation. In pools such as those at SeaWorld, the reverberations from these sounds bounce off the walls around them.

SeaWorld, San Diego (300443) | Robert Linsdell | CC by 2.0

2. Captive dolphins are sometimes housed in incompatible groups, and because of the cramped conditions, they’re unable to escape conflicts.

3. Many dolphins develop painful ailments, such as stomach ulcers, and some die prematurely from the stressful conditions of captivity. Sixty-two bottlenose dolphins have DIED at SeaWorld parks in just ten years. Sixteen of those dolphins were stillborn babies.

255-8 | Sompop S | CC by 2.0

4. Cheap tricks can hurt dolphins. In 2008, Sharky, a captive dolphin at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, was fatally injured while performing an aerial trick. He collided in mid-air with another dolphin and subsequently died. And in 2012 at SeaWorld’s San Antonio facility, two dolphins crashed in mid-air, and one was ejected onto the concrete walkway below. The dolphin lay bleeding and helpless as guests looked on.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/harry-styles-seaworld/#ixzz3fdHRRIEq

11 Dogs Who Totally Sabotaged Your Special Moment

"Sometimes humans commemorate their important life events, and leave dogs out of it. That’s a pretty crappy situation, in our opinion. Can you blame these pups for their actions? Check out these photo…bombs."

1. “You think the baby’s poop is gonna be bad? Check this out.”

Source: picphotos.net

3. “This is the LAST time you people leave me out of a family photo.”

Source: dogster.com

5. “I TOLD you I couldn’t wait for the limo.”

Source: collegehumor.com

6. “This is what I think of you going to college, mom!”

Source: trendingmonkey.com

7. “How was your trip to the beach?”
“Crappy.”

Source: sanitaryum.com

8. “Yeah, I saw your Facebook announcement.”

Source: collegehumor.com

9. “Here’s some chocolate to go with that wine!”

Source: greatbigwonderfulworld.com

11. Here Comes Honey Poo Poo…

Source: dogster.com

Featured Image via sanitaryum.com Article by: Claire Beaudreault

A Bulldog Conquers His Fear Of Roombas In Most Adorable Way

"Oslo the Bulldog once considered the dastardly robot vacuum his most terrifying and hated enemy, but today he gathers his courage and hops right back on the horse… literally."

Click here to watch the adorable video!

Featured Image via Sidus Lucida Bulldogs and Chronicarly
Article by: Samantha Erb